Cordero on Reds

Courtesy of my Toronto colleague Gregor Chisholm, a quote from Francisco Cordero. The former Reds closer formally signed a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the Blue Jays on Wednesday.

“I had an offer from the Reds and I think I did a great job there. I’m pretty happy with the Reds, their fans, my family loved it over there and everything was good for the four years I was there. Sometimes you just need a change and you have to do whatever is best for you. I did what I had to do in Cincinnati, I have no regrets, I feel happy, I really appreciate what they did for me there but it’s time to move on.

“The time comes and you have to know when to move on.”

After the closers market was stacked with volume, Cordero essentially ended up being without a chair when the music stopped. Not only did he not get a multi-year contract as he hoped, he didn’t get to return to Cincinnati and now he likely won’t be a closer. He is viewed as a good bet to setup for Sergio Santos in Toronto. No matter what he is saying publicly, Cordero can’t be thrilled with how his off-season turned out.

The Reds had an offer on the table for Cordero since the end of last season. They couldn’t come to terms before having to decline his $12 million option. They told him to look around but they kept talks open.

GM Walt Jocketty wasn’t willing to offer more than a one-year contract with an option for 2013. When Cordero’s side didn’t move off the multi-year demand by early to mid January, the Reds turned to the only other available closer in Ryan Madson. Surprisingly, Madson was open to taking a one-year deal. The Reds then moved on from Cordero and signed Madson for a one-year, $8.5 million deal with an $11 million mutual option for 2013.

As for Cordero, he gambled and when the wheel stopped turning, he landed on a spot he hadn’t counted on. With Madson as his replacement, however, I believe that the Reds have definitely upgraded. Those “heart attack” 9th innings did get old.

It’s all a matter of perception…which is often wrong. Last year, for example, the vast majority of his ninth-inning appearances were ones where he faced the minimum of three. But most people think he was always struggling to get three outs. A trick played by slective memory.

I wish you would give those of us that are flying in and attending a game for the first how to get to the ballpark from the airport or downtown hiotel. It is next to impossible to rent a car…..is there anyother way to get there???? This info sure would help us Goodyear “rookies”.I hear it is 40 mins away. IIs that true?
Thanks in advance.

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